June Edition of the Ohio Section Journal has been released

Hey Gang,

The June Edition of the Ohio Section Journal has just been released.. 

Go take a look        >>  Click Here <<



73, 

Scott, N8SY.. 

The Ohio Section News Update – Flag Day Edition

Inside..

- Ohio DMR Growing

- One Question Survey

- Ohio Responds

- NIMS / ICS Training

- Nets

- Getting This Newsletter

- My Final

************

Ohio DMR Outpaces 48 Other States

(from: Gregory Drezdzon, WD9FTZ)

The Buckeye State may not be perfect or an ideal paradise, but licensed amateur radio operators have something to be thankful for -- the saturation of Digital Mobile Radio repeaters in Ohio.

Relatively inexpensive DMR Type II equipment has led to the explosion in DMR popularity. Another factor is the ability to communicate with other amateurs throughout the state, call area, region and even worldwide with only a handheld radio.

Ohio has about 1,465 registered DMR IDs, as of June 13, out of 28,357 in the United States or about 5.2 percent. Only California, Florida, and New York better Ohio’s numbers.

As of early June 2017, DRM repeaters in Ohio numbered about 65 according to Repeaterbook.com . Ohio was tied with Texas for the second largest number of registered DMR repeaters in the U.S. with California coming in first.

[Example of the number of registered DMR repeaters in Ohio.] 

In the eight-area call district, there are 109 registered DMR repeaters including Michigan with 39 and West Virginia’s five. New DMR repeaters are being put into operation nearly monthly and Ohio’s numbers will continue to grow.

In a 200 mile (the search actually extends out to 264.7 miles) radius of Akron, Ohio, an amateur has their choice of 129 DMR repeaters including some in Ontario, Canada, to use as of June 13 reported by Repeaterbook.com .

Some areas in Ohio are still lacking in DMR coverage including the eastern third of the state. This should only be a matter of time. Very soon, most of the Interstate highway system in Ohio will have at least some DMR coverage.

On a recent trip to Marysville, the Akron portion of I-76 to I-71, and I-71south to Delaware had complete DMR coverage with four repeaters.

[Akron DMR Repeater -- Green is estimate coverage at 1.5 microvolts, 

yellow is estimated coverage at 0.5 microvolts.]  

By setting up an Interstate highway zone such as I-71, and scanning the DMR repeaters along the route of travel, one could listen and talk on “Ohio Statewide,” talkgroup 3139, seamlessly for one’s intended route.

[ Example of Interstate 70 Ohio Zone showing repeaters along route from Akron to Kentucky.]  

Since about May 15, approximately five new DMR repeaters have become operational. With the new dual-band handhelds and mobiles due to be released soon, there appears to be no immediate end to DMR’s growth in Ohio.

Some may ask why DMR and not analog? The answer is simple. Analog repeaters are usually local only and not linked to other systems. DMR repeaters, for a vast majority of them, are linked to each other so a person in Cincinnati can communicate with someone in Toledo on VHF or UHF, depending on that area’s repeater.

One downside to DMR is that the signal is either being received or it is not. This is similar to digital TV reception. There is no error correction. With analog, a weak signal could still be intelligible (noisy), but this is not the case with DMR.

On a plus side, DMR sound quality has more fidelity, and to many users, it sounds better than analog.

Ohio is a DMR leader in the Great Lakes and Midwest, and with more amateur radio operators embracing digital radio technology, this mode and facet of communications will become more and more exciting.

 

************

One Question Survey

Hey Gang,

Have you checked out the NEW Survey question on the website yet?. There is a new question up there for you to answer! You’ll find it on the left side of the main page..  http://arrlohio.org !!

************

Ohio Responds Update

Ok.. Here’s the latest update on Ohio Responds. We now have 122 persons approved!! Let’s keep this going. We have over 500 with all their certificates on file. Let’s get everyone to get moving and sign up for Ohio Responds.

Signing up with Ohio Responds will give you liability protection under the State of Ohio. This is a real big things folks.. Where else can you get liability insurance for FREE.

Now, admittedly their system was designed for another purpose, so in some places it doesn’t match up well with Amateur Radio Operators and what we do. I have created a webpage where you’ll find all the pertinent information for getting registered on Ohio Responds website with as little issues as possible. You really do need to read this information BEFORE you attempt to register, and you will need to have all 4 of your NIMS courses completed and in our statewide database first! There’s some very specific information up there that you’ll need to know to correctly complete the registration process since it doesn’t match up well in some places with what we do.  Here’s a link to that webpage… http://arrl-ohio.org/ohio-responds-page.html   You can also find this link on the main page of the Ohio Section website as well.

How do I know if I’m on the list or not? Here’s the link to the list.   

http://arrl-ohio.org/SEC/special/nims_roster.html  Don’t see your name on the list, and you’ve submitted your certificates? Contact me immediately!

************

NIMS / ICS Training Update

The numbers are continuing to grow!  Here’s what we have on file as of today :   Members in database: 760; Active Members: 747; Members NIMS complete: 550 and for the biggie..  Total Courses Taken: 5,018. These numbers just keep growing, and that’s really the best news of all to tell you!

We need to be prepared to help in a professional and TRAINED manor now days, and the only way of getting that training is to start taking these courses. We have a lot to be proud of, and a lot more work to do. Every ARES member in Ohio now MUST have these courses to be a part of the Ohio ARES program and to be registered in the Ohio Responds database!

How do I know if I’m on the list or not? Here’s the link to the list.  

http://arrl-ohio.org/SEC/special/nims_roster.html  If you don’t see your name on the list, and you’ve submitted your certificates? Contact me immediately!

For those of you just starting out now that you have a real incentive, we have a webpage with all the information about how to get started..  http://arrl-ohio.org/SEC/training.html. This page contains a lot of information about what is needed. Each course takes about an hour or so to take, that’s really not much to ask now is it? You spent way more than that to get your Amateur Radio operators license!

************

Nets

Hey gang, don’t forget to check-in on the weekly Wednesday night DMR net tonight, there are averaging over 60 check-ins each week, and it’s growing!! Come join in on the fun, Wednesday nights at 8:30p local on the 3139 Ohio statewide Talkgroup.

The North American Tech Net that meets Wednesday 9pm EST TG: 3 and of course there’s the After HamNation Net following the HamNation program on Wednesday’s on TG: 311

Here’s another DMR net that you may not have known about. I got this information from Dave, KD8BQN. Dave runs the TAC310 net every Sunday on DMR at 0000Z. So be looking to check into that net as well, if you can.

>>  LOCAL 6 METER NETS  <<

(from Steve, W8TER)

Wednesdays at 9:00 pm

1st Wednesday of the month is on 50.400 AM mode.

2nd Wednesday of the month is on 52.525 FM mode.

3rd Wednesday of the month is on 50.125 USB mode.

4th Wednesday of the month is on 52.525 FM mode.

5th Wednesday of the month is on 52.525 FM mode.

PLEASE JOIN US…on the air

There is also a 6-meter net on Thursday at 9pm on 50.255 USB

I also got notified of a Sunday night net on 6-meters, from Fred, KD8GYS in Sterling, Ohio.

The Net is on every Sunday Evening at 19:00 Hrs. on 53.170 with a input of 52.170 and Pl’s of 107.2 Akron, 110.9 Loudonville, 123.0 Stone Creek and 136.5 Richfield as well as Echo link, All Star and 440 W8WKY Doylestown, Oh.

It’s also linked with N2KEJ in New Jersey. As of now we cover 27 counties in Ohio, 3 counties in Pa. My goal when I was asked to run the net, was to get 50 check ins 4 years ago.

We have a Trivia question each week as well, to keep the mind sharpened (lol).

The repeater also has the NWS weather alert system connected to advise all listeners of Alerts from Ashland, Wayne, Holmes, Medina, Stark and Summit counties.

Keep 6 Meters going strong check in join the net when possible.

Here is another net that you may want to add to your list of nets. It’s the South Eastern Ohio Ragchew Net 28.485 MHz, 2100 every Sunday -  we thank Lyn, N8IMW for that information…

************

Are you getting those emails from me?

If not, all you need to do is to “Opt-In” to receive them. Heck, just send me an email:  n8sy@n8sy.com and let me know that you want to be added. It’s just that easy. Please, if you know of anyone that would be interested in this information, feel free to pass it on to them. You don’t have to be an ARRL member or even a ham to receive these emails. I want every ham and interested person in Ohio and beyond, to get these emails!!

You are always free to “Opt-Out” at any time if you feel this is not what you were expecting. Just send me an email with the email address that you used to opt-in on, and you will be removed. It’s that simple.

Also, are you viewing the Ohio Section Website on a regular basis? You should, it changes all the time. Here’s a link to it.  http://arrlohio.org

************

 

My Final..   

Today is Wednesday, June 14th, it’s Flag Day!

Flag Day is celebrated on June 14, marking the adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress in the First Flag Act on June 14, 1777. The Act declared that the new flag would have "13 stripes alternate red and white: that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."

Amateur Radio has a serious side, but it can also have a FUN side too. I hope that this News Update has been informative and fun for you to read.  So, as we go through our training and exercises, learning from the past and from those who are willing to take the time to teach us, let’s remember to have FUN too! It’s what keeps us alive and vibrant!

Got questions, concerns or would just like to sit and chat awhile, give me a call at (419) 512-4445 or email me at:  n8sy@n8sy.com   Want to sit and just chat awhile? I’m available, Heck, I’ll even buy!!

73,

Scott, N8SY..

eof..

Ohio Section Traffic Manager's May Report is now posted..

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let you all know that the May Report from the Section Traffic Manager has been posted..


Go take a look..              >>  Click Here  <<



73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section News Update – June 12th Edition

Inside..

- Hamvention Improvements Already in the Works

- One Question Survey

- Ohio Responds

- NIMS / ICS Training

- Getting This Newsletter

- My Final

************

Hamvention Improvements Already in the Works for 2018!

(from ARRL Bulletins)

Even before Hamvention® 2017 had wound down at its new Xenia, Ohio, location, plans were on the drawing board to enhance next year’s show. Hamvention 2017 “went reasonably well,” spokesperson Mike Kalter, W8CI, allowed, but he acknowledged that there are still a “lot of things to work on” for 2018. Kalter, who lives in Xenia, made the remarks in a video interview with DX Engineering’s Tim Duffy, K3LR, in the wake of the May 19-21 show, which is sponsored by the Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA).

Kalter told Duffy that the staff of the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center on its own initiative met with him, Hamvention General Chair Ron Cramer, KD8ENJ, and others to say they were already formulating plans for improvements. The food and forum venues at the new location got high marks, Kalter told Duffy, but the flea market suffered badly from the effects of heavy rainfall.

“It rained hard, and it rained a lot,” Kalter recounted, adding that the flea market area was not as well drained as organizers had expected. “What exactly we’re going to do at this point, I don’t know,” he conceded. “We felt bad about that.”

The exhibitor tents were another issue, with crowded quarters, wind-blown rain getting into booth spaces, and a lack of lighting. Kalter told Duffy that DARA didn’t get the tents it wanted, and that more and better tents are high on the list for next year. DARA also has asked the Greene County Commission to purchase another building for the site, and the Commission will be installing air handlers in buildings for 2018.

On-site parking improvements also are in the works, after a massive traffic jam on opening day. “Traffic on Friday morning was pretty rough, for those that got caught in that, but we worked with the officials...and they fixed it overnight,” Kalter said.

“We know that we are stewards of a very important event [for Amateur Radio],” Kalter told Duffy. Hamvention “is not just DARA’s show,” and exhibitors and organizers alike are buying into the concept of “our Hamvention” and contributing to an effort to improve the event. Kalter called Hamvention “a pillar” that helps to keep Amateur Radio alive and “growing and functioning at a much higher level” than anywhere else.

“We’re out in front of it,” Kalter assured, “and I want to thank all of our volunteers,” referring to the 657 individuals who made Hamvention 2017 happen. “Most of what I heard was very positive.”

In a separate interview with HamRadioNow‘s Gary Pearce, KN4AQ, Kalter said that while he could offer no firm numbers, attendance was “the biggest I’ve seen at any Hamvention I’ve ever been to. It was absolutely wall to wall, from one end to the other.”

************

One Question Survey

Hey Gang,

Have you checked out the NEW Survey question on the website yet?. There is a new question up there for you to answer! You’ll find it on the left side of the main page..  http://arrlohio.org !!

************

Ohio Responds Update

Ok.. Here’s the latest update on Ohio Responds. We now have 117 persons approved!! Let’s keep this going. We have over 500 with all their certificates on file. Let’s get everyone to get moving and sign up for Ohio Responds.

Signing up with Ohio Responds will give you liability protection under the State of Ohio. This is a real big things folks.. Where else can you get liability insurance for FREE.

Now, admittedly their system was designed for another purpose, so in some places it doesn’t match up well with Amateur Radio Operators and what we do. I have created a webpage where you’ll find all the pertinent information for getting registered on Ohio Responds website with as little issues as possible. You really do need to read this information BEFORE you attempt to register, and you will need to have all 4 of your NIMS courses completed and in our statewide database first! There’s some very specific information up there that you’ll need to know to correctly complete the registration process since it doesn’t match up well in some places with what we do.  Here’s a link to that webpage… http://arrl-ohio.org/ohio-responds-page.html   You can also find this link on the main page of the Ohio Section website as well.

How do I know if I’m on the list or not? Here’s the link to the list.   

http://arrl-ohio.org/SEC/special/nims_roster.html  Don’t see your name on the list, and you’ve submitted your certificates? Contact me immediately!

************

NIMS / ICS Training Update

The numbers are continuing to grow!  Here’s what we have on file as of today :   Members in database: 757; Active Members: 745; Members NIMS complete: 548 and for the biggie..  Total Courses Taken: 5,006. These numbers just keep growing, and that’s really the best news of all to tell you!

We need to be prepared to help in a professional and TRAINED manor now days, and the only way of getting that training is to start taking these courses. We have a lot to be proud of, and a lot more work to do. Every ARES member in Ohio now MUST have these courses to be a part of the Ohio ARES program and to be registered in the Ohio Responds database!

How do I know if I’m on the list or not? Here’s the link to the list.  

http://arrl-ohio.org/SEC/special/nims_roster.html  If you don’t see your name on the list, and you’ve submitted your certificates? Contact me immediately!

For those of you just starting out now that you have a real incentive, we have a webpage with all the information about how to get started..  http://arrl-ohio.org/SEC/training.html. This page contains a lot of information about what is needed. Each course takes about an hour or so to take, that’s really not much to ask now is it? You spent way more than that to get your Amateur Radio operators license!

************

Are you getting those emails from me?

If not, all you need to do is to “Opt-In” to receive them. Heck, just send me an email:  n8sy@n8sy.com and let me know that you want to be added. It’s just that easy. Please, if you know of anyone that would be interested in this information, feel free to pass it on to them. You don’t have to be an ARRL member or even a ham to receive these emails. I want every ham and interested person in Ohio and beyond, to get these emails!!

You are always free to “Opt-Out” at any time if you feel this is not what you were expecting. Just send me an email with the email address that you used to opt-in on, and you will be removed. It’s that simple.

Also, are you viewing the Ohio Section Website on a regular basis? You should, it changes all the time. Here’s a link to it.  http://arrlohio.org

************

My Final..   

Today is Monday, June 12th, it’s National Peanut Butter Cookie Day and for those of you in the Cleveland area, it’s Superman Day!

Amateur Radio has a serious side, but it can also have a FUN side too. I hope that this News Update has been informative and fun for you to read.  So, as we go through our training and exercises, learning from the past and from those who are willing to take the time to teach us, let’s remember to have FUN too! It’s what keeps us alive and vibrant!

Got questions, concerns or would just like to sit and chat awhile, give me a call at (419) 512-4445 or email me at:  n8sy@n8sy.com   Want to sit and just chat awhile? I’m available, Heck, I’ll even buy!!

73,

Scott, N8SY..

Go CAVS!!!

eof..

The Ohio Section News Update – June 9th Edition

Inside..

- VHF Contest

- One Question Survey

- New Possibility

- Ohio Responds

- NIMS / ICS Training

- Upcoming Hamfests

- Getting This Newsletter

- My Final

************

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! The ARRL June VHF Contest is Almost Here!

(from ARRL Bulletins)

One of the premier VHF/UHF events on the contest calendar — 

the ARRL June VHF Contest — (http://www.arrl.org/june-vhf)  gets under way at 1800 UTC on Saturday, June 10, and continues until 0259 UTC on Monday, June 12. Whether you are new to VHF or new to contesting altogether, the ARRL June VHF Contest offers all licensees a chance to explore what they can do on VHF and UHF — the bands above 50 MHz.

The object for participants in the US and Canada (and possessions) is to work stations in as many different 2° × 1° Maidenhead grid squares as possible, using authorized frequencies above 50 MHz. Stations outside the US and Canada (and their possessions) may only work stations in the US (and its possessions) and Canada. Stations in KH0-9, KL7, KP1-KP5, CY9, and CY0 count as W/VE stations and may be worked by DX stations for contest credit.

June is a favorable month for 6-meter band openings, and the contest occurs at the start of the summer sporadic E season, offering intense openings on 6 and even 2 meters. Propagation opportunities also can include tropospheric ducting, aurora, and moonbounce or meteor scatter. K1JT’s WSJT software suite now includes a new mode for scatter communications — MSK144. It offers 15-second sequencing and improvement in signal decoding for meteor scatter work, and many VHF operators are talking about using it on 6 and 2 meters during this event.

Newcomers to VHF contesting may want to try one of these categories:

 *Single-Operator, Portable: For those who enjoy operating low power from a portable power source and using portable antennas.

 * Rover: For mobile operators who enjoy traveling from one grid square to another to hand out contacts.

 * Single-Operator, FM-only: A category for the 50, 144, 222, and 440- MHz bands running 100 W or less.

 * Single-Operator, 3-Band: Restricted to 50, 144, and 432 MHz (power limits apply).

Pick a band or mode, and have fun in the June VHF Contest!

************

One Question Survey

Hey Gang,

Have you checked out the NEW Survey question on the website yet?. There is a new question up there for you to answer! You’ll find it on the left side of the main page..  http://arrlohio.org !!

************

New Possibility for to the Ohio Section

Hey Gang,

We need your help..  Anthony, K8ZT has been working on getting us a booth at the Ohio State Fair!! We would love to have a display there, and having the booth manned on Friday, July 28; Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30th.

Would you be interested in helping out? It’s a lot of fun, and it really doesn’t take that much of your time. The best thing is that you’ll get to answer questions about what Amateur Radio is all about..!!  

Please, if we are going to do this we will need a sufficient amount of Amateurs to help out. The more the merrier for sure!  Contact Anthony at:  k8zt@arrl.net  right away.. If we are going to do this, we need to get moving on it now!

************

Ohio Responds Update

Ok.. Here’s the latest update on Ohio Responds. We now have 113 persons approved!! Let’s keep this going. We have over 500 with all their certificates on file. Let’s get everyone to get moving and sign up for Ohio Responds.

Signing up with Ohio Responds will give you liability protection under the State of Ohio. This is a real big things folks.. Where else can you get liability insurance for FREE.

Now, admittedly their system was designed for another purpose, so in some places it doesn’t match up well with Amateur Radio Operators and what we do. I have created a webpage where you’ll find all the pertinent information for getting registered on Ohio Responds website with as little issues as possible. You really do need to read this information BEFORE you attempt to register, and you will need to have all 4 of your NIMS courses completed and in our statewide database first! There’s some very specific information up there that you’ll need to know to correctly complete the registration process since it doesn’t match up well in some places with what we do.  Here’s a link to that webpage… http://arrl-ohio.org/ohio-responds-page.html   You can also find this link on the main page of the Ohio Section website as well.

How do I know if I’m on the list or not? Here’s the link to the list.   

http://arrl-ohio.org/SEC/special/nims_roster.html  Don’t see your name on the list, and you’ve submitted your certificates? Contact me immediately!

************

NIMS / ICS Training Update

The numbers are continuing to grow!  Here’s what we have on file as of today :   Members in database: 757; Active Members: 745; Members NIMS complete: 548 and for the biggie..  Total Courses Taken: 5,006. These numbers just keep growing, and that’s really the best news of all to tell you!

We need to be prepared to help in a professional and TRAINED manor now days, and the only way of getting that training is to start taking these courses. We have a lot to be proud of, and a lot more work to do. Every ARES member in Ohio now MUST have these courses to be a part of the Ohio ARES program and to be registered in the Ohio Responds database!

How do I know if I’m on the list or not? Here’s the link to the list.  

http://arrl-ohio.org/SEC/special/nims_roster.html  If you don’t see your name on the list, and you’ve submitted your certificates? Contact me immediately!

For those of you just starting out now that you have a real incentive, we have a webpage with all the information about how to get started..  http://arrl-ohio.org/SEC/training.html. This page contains a lot of information about what is needed. Each course takes about an hour or so to take, that’s really not much to ask now is it? You spent way more than that to get your Amateur Radio operators license!

Here’s a quick breakout of who we have registered by license class

NIMS Complete by License Class:

Technician:  68

General:  171

Advanced:  15

Extra:  294

And here’s a breakout of the number of ICS classes taken and passed:

ICS-100:  689

ICS-200:  597

ICS-700:  630

ICS-800:  584

************

Upcoming Hamfests

 

06/10/2017 | Union County ARC TailGate & TrunkFest
Location: Marysville, OH
Sponsor: Union County Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://ohiohams.net

06/17/2017 | Milford Hamfest 27th Annual
Location: Milford, OH
Sponsor: Milford Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://www.w8mrc.com

July

07/08/2017 | GARS Germantown Hamfest
Location: Germantown, OH
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Germantown Amateur Radio Society (GARS)
Website: http://GARSohio.org 

************

Are you getting those emails from me?

If not, all you need to do is to “Opt-In” to receive them. Heck, just send me an email:  n8sy@n8sy.com and let me know that you want to be added. It’s just that easy. Please, if you know of anyone that would be interested in this information, feel free to pass it on to them. You don’t have to be an ARRL member or even a ham to receive these emails. I want every ham and interested person in Ohio and beyond, to get these emails!!

You are always free to “Opt-Out” at any time if you feel this is not what you were expecting. Just send me an email with the email address that you used to opt-in on, and you will be removed. It’s that simple.

Also, are you viewing the Ohio Section Website on a regular basis? You should, it changes all the time. Here’s a link to it.  http://arrlohio.org

************

My Final..   

Today is Friday, June 9th, it’s Donald Duck Day!!  It’s also National Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie Day as well as Writers' Rights Day!

Amateur Radio has a serious side, but it can also have a FUN side too. I hope that this News Update has been informative and fun for you to read.  So, as we go through our training and exercises, learning from the past and from those who are willing to take the time to teach us, let’s remember to have FUN too! It’s what keeps us alive and vibrant!

Got questions, concerns or would just like to sit and chat awhile, give me a call at (419) 512-4445 or email me at:  n8sy@n8sy.com   Want to sit and just chat awhile? I’m available, Heck, I’ll even buy!!

73,

Scott, N8SY..

eof..

The Ohio Section News Update – June 7th Edition

Inside..

- Code Plug Video

- New Possibility

- One Question Survey

- Ohio Responds

- NIMS / ICS Training

- Nets

- Getting This Newsletter

- My Final

************

Code Plug Writing Video

Hey Gang,

Last week I told you about a Code Plug writing class that was going to take place. Well, I’m here to tell you that it did, and I have video of it. The class was hosted by none other than our own, Ken Dorsey, KA8OAD.

Those of us who attended learned a lot about how to properly write a code plug for these new fancy Digital Radios. Yes, the class primarily focused on how to do this for the very popular Tytera MD-380 radios, but it soon became apparent that once you got the basics down, it’s really just about the same for every DMR radio out there. Yes, there are some little nuances to each of the models, but as far as the information needed to write the Code Plug, it’s really all the same.

The class went through everything that you could do on programming, even things that the amateur side of DMR really doesn’t use, but it’s great to know what it all means and how it does apply in the commercial world.

The class was very well attended and it did last almost 3 hours, so there’s lots of video to watch. I do have it broken down to 4 shorter segments, this way you can take a break from it if you wish. I was fascinated with all the functionality that you can program into these small $80 radios. It’s really beyond belief what you can do with them. I’m sure that you’ll get a lot out of the video and I also have the PowerPoint slides for you to go through as well.

Here’s the link to all the FUN!!   http://arrl-ohio.org/digital/cp-writing.html

************

New Possibility for to the Ohio Section

Hey Gang,

I’m really excited to announce that Anthony, K8ZT has been working on getting the Ohio Section into the Ohio State Fair!! We are looking at the possibility of having a display there and having it manned on Friday, July 28; Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30th.

Would you be interested in helping out? It’s fun, and it really wouldn’t take that much of your time. The best thing is that you’ll get to answer questions about what Amateur Radio is all about..!!  

Please, if we are going to do this we will need a sufficient amount of Amateurs to help out. The more the merrier for sure!  Contact Anthony at:  k8zt@arrl.net  right away.. If we are going to do this, we need to get moving on it now!

************

One Question Survey

Hey Gang,

Have you checked out the NEW Survey question on the website yet?. There is a new question up there for you to answer! You’ll find it on the left side of the main page..  http://arrlohio.org !!

************

Ohio Responds Update

Ok.. Here’s the latest update on Ohio Responds. We now have 108 persons approved!! Let’s keep this going. We have over 500 with all their certificates on file. Let’s get everyone to get moving and sign up for Ohio Responds.

Signing up with Ohio Responds will give you liability protection under the State of Ohio. This is a real big things folks.. Where else can you get liability insurance for FREE.

Now, admittedly their system was designed for another purpose, so in some places it doesn’t match up well with Amateur Radio Operators and what we do. I have created a webpage where you’ll find all the pertinent information for getting registered on Ohio Responds website with as little issues as possible. You really do need to read this information BEFORE you attempt to register, and you will need to have all 4 of your NIMS courses completed and in our statewide database first! There’s some very specific information up there that you’ll need to know to correctly complete the registration process since it doesn’t match up well in some places with what we do.  Here’s a link to that webpage… http://arrl-ohio.org/ohio-responds-page.html   You can also find this link on the main page of the Ohio Section website as well.

How do I know if I’m on the list or not? Here’s the link to the list.   

http://arrl-ohio.org/SEC/special/nims_roster.html  Don’t see your name on the list, and you’ve submitted your certificates? Contact me immediately!

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NIMS / ICS Training Update

 

The numbers are continuing to grow!  Here’s what we have on file as of today :   Members in database: 756; Active Members: 743; Members NIMS complete: 546 and for the biggie..  Total Courses Taken: 4,998. These numbers just keep growing, and that’s really the best news of all to tell you!

We need to be prepared to help in a professional and TRAINED manor now days, and the only way of getting that training is to start taking these courses. We have a lot to be proud of, and a lot more work to do. Every ARES member in Ohio now MUST have these courses to be a part of the Ohio ARES program and to be registered in the Ohio Responds database!

How do I know if I’m on the list or not? Here’s the link to the list.  

http://arrl-ohio.org/SEC/special/nims_roster.html  If you don’t see your name on the list, and you’ve submitted your certificates? Contact me immediately!

For those of you just starting out now that you have a real incentive, we have a webpage with all the information about how to get started..  http://arrl-ohio.org/SEC/training.html. This page contains a lot of information about what is needed. Each course takes about an hour or so to take, that’s really not much to ask now is it? You spent way more than that to get your Amateur Radio operators license!

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Nets

Hey gang, don’t forget to check-in on the weekly Wednesday night DMR net tonight, there are averaging over 60 check-ins each week, and it’s growing!! Come join in on the fun, Wednesday nights at 8:30p local on the 3139 Ohio statewide Talkgroup.

The North American Tech Net that meets Wednesday 9pm EST TG: 3 and of course there’s the After HamNation Net following the HamNation program on Wednesday’s on TG: 311

Here’s another DMR net that you may not have known about. I got this information from Dave, KD8BQN. Dave runs the TAC310 net every Sunday on DMR at 0000Z. So be looking to check into that net as well, if you can.

>>  LOCAL 6 METER NETS  <<

(from Steve, W8TER)

Wednesdays at 9:00 pm

1st Wednesday of the month is on 50.400 AM mode.

2nd Wednesday of the month is on 52.525 FM mode.

3rd Wednesday of the month is on 50.125 USB mode.

4th Wednesday of the month is on 52.525 FM mode.

5th Wednesday of the month is on 52.525 FM mode.

PLEASE JOIN US…on the air

There is also a 6-meter net on Thursday at 9pm on 50.255 USB

I also got notified of a Sunday night net on 6-meters, from Fred, KD8GYS in Sterling, Ohio.

The Net is on every Sunday Evening at 19:00 Hrs. on 53.170 with a input of 52.170 and Pl’s of 107.2 Akron, 110.9 Loudonville, 123.0 Stone Creek and 136.5 Richfield as well as Echo link, All Star and 440 W8WKY Doylestown, Oh.

It’s also linked with N2KEJ in New Jersey. As of now we cover 27 counties in Ohio, 3 counties in Pa. My goal when I was asked to run the net, was to get 50 check ins 4 years ago.

We have a Trivia question each week as well, to keep the mind sharpened (lol).

The repeater also has the NWS weather alert system connected to advise all listeners of Alerts from Ashland, Wayne, Holmes, Medina, Stark and Summit counties.

Keep 6 Meters going strong check in join the net when possible.

Here is another net that you may want to add to your list of nets. It’s the South Eastern Ohio Ragchew Net 28.485 MHz, 2100 every Sunday -  we thank Lyn, N8IMW for that information…

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Are you getting those emails from me?

If not, all you need to do is to “Opt-In” to receive them. Heck, just send me an email:  n8sy@n8sy.com and let me know that you want to be added. It’s just that easy. Please, if you know of anyone that would be interested in this information, feel free to pass it on to them. You don’t have to be an ARRL member or even a ham to receive these emails. I want every ham and interested person in Ohio and beyond, to get these emails!!

You are always free to “Opt-Out” at any time if you feel this is not what you were expecting. Just send me an email with the email address that you used to opt-in on, and you will be removed. It’s that simple.

Also, are you viewing the Ohio Section Website on a regular basis? You should, it changes all the time. Here’s a link to it.  http://arrlohio.org

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My Final..   

Amateur Radio has a serious side, but it can also have a FUN side too. I hope that this News Update has been informative and fun for you to read.  So, as we go through our training and exercises, learning from the past and from those who are willing to take the time to teach us, let’s remember to have FUN too! It’s what keeps us alive and vibrant!

Got questions, concerns or would just like to sit and chat awhile, give me a call at (419) 512-4445 or email me at:  n8sy@n8sy.com   Want to sit and just chat awhile? I’m available, Heck, I’ll even buy!!

73,

Scott, N8SY..

PS>>  I have to say this Go CAVS!!!  Beat Golden State tonight!!

eof..